I don't know how long it's been since I bought more than a single or two of new music. I've really resisted using iTunes, too - the DRM that locks it out of any device other than one that Papa Jobs approves of is really odious. Amazon offers much the same library, but without the DRM and at the same price, so that's almost always preferable.

But suddenly, out of the woodwork, a ton of new (good) music comes out, and I find myself spending money on music like a teenager with a paper-route.

If great bands were putting out good music like this, the music industry wouldn't be anywhere near as troubled as it is now. I'm sure part of it is just being a nerdy white guy, and part of it being out of touch with pop culture (a big part of it) but it sure seems like it's been ages since I've been excited about more than one release at a time. At least for my part, it has nothing to do with the ready availability of pirated music - I've paid for every song I've downloaded that was legally available since it was possible. For me, it's just been about the lack of choice. Keep it up, music industry!

Comments

All of their tracks are now DRM-free. It's true that they had to go to / went to tiered pricing to go along with it, but I still consider that "dropping DRM". (Yes, they charge users to upgrade previous purchases and yes, I agree that the 30 cents is annoying, but not all of their tracks are 1.29. You can also still use eMusic, or Amazon - as you do - or a number of other DRM-free sources. I also made a point of saying "...if you don't find it at Amazon.")

It is not. Every music track currently for sale has no DRM. (As mentioned, anyone with old, previously-purchased, DRM-ed tracks still needs to pay to upgrade, but those versions are no longer for sale in iTunes.)

I mean, unless it's been reinstated and has just totally snuck under the radar, I suppose. None of the news sources that I've seen that covered the original DRM-free move seem to have any mention of bringing it back, though.